Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software.

Question

Hi! I purchased a program that I know isn't a virus 2 days ago, and it worked perfectly fine. Now, whenever I try to open it, it says "Operation did not complete successfully because the file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software." I have no 3rd party AV installed, and I've turned off all security settings. However, whenever I try to disable Windows Defender SmartScreen, it turns back on.

Answer 1

Good Day MatthewBaer2,

My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 10 pc and community member like you. Let us work together to sort this out.

Here's the steps you can try.

-Click Start, type Powershell and run as administrator

-Copy and paste the command below and hit Enter

Add-AppxPackage -Register -DisableDevelopmentMode "C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.SecHealthUI_cw5n1h2txyewy\AppXManifest.xml"

Once done , open the Windows Defender and add it to exclusion list.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add....

Restart your computer and try to run the file.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.

Answer 2

Hi Carlo! I tried your tip, and now whenever I open the "Exclusions" page it says "You don't have the proper permissions to view this page."

Answer 3

Good Day MatthewBaer2,

I appreciate your time getting back to this thread, If the issue persists, perform Repair Upgrade, it will repair and replace any corrupted system files.

Step 1: Download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Click “Download Tool Now”

Step 2: Run MediaCreationTool.exe.

Step 3: Choose "Upgrade this PC now".

Step 4: Select "Keep personal files and apps".

Step 5: Let it install

Restart once done and check.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.